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Monday, June 6, 2011

Interview with Jillian Conley and book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

Today we are joined by Jillian Conley, author of "Maid of Honor" , which is her debut novel. Whether or not you have already seen "Bridesmaids" or "27 Dresses," you won't want to miss this book! (We know we want to get our hands on it soon...) We are excited to welcome Jillian to Chick Lit Central, especially since she is a fellow Chicagoan! We would like to thank Jillian for taking the time to visit us and we hope you will all enjoy!

Jillian has one copy of "Maid of Honor" to share with a lucky reader in the US or Canada.

MP: What is your usual writing routine?JC: I’m old school and I still use a paper journal and pen to scribble down what’s on my mind. It’s full of words, thoughts, and ideas that I scribble down at different times. When I am feeling creative I will sit down on my bed or couch with my laptop and write away.

MP: What do you if you get writer's block?JC: The main character in Maid of Honor, Josephine, is a painter. I can relate to her well when it comes to the creative process coming and going. If I do get writer’s block, I don’t force it. I’ll go on a walk, doodle in my journal, or call a friend to talk about an idea in my head.

MP: What inspired you to write "Maid of Honor?"JC: I wanted to write a story about how strong a bond between two women can be. After being in more weddings than I can remember, I realized there is no bigger test on a friendship than being the maid of honor in a friend’s wedding. A maid of honor doesn’t just stand next to the bride at the altar on the wedding day, but she embarks on a journey with the bride for several months. She must be patient and compassionate while being the bride’s right hand man.

MP: If you were not a writer, what job would you like to have?JC: I’ve always wanted to open a used book store, but my father told me I’m nuts because paper books will be extinct sooner than later.

(CLC: *shuddering at the thought*)

MA: If "Maid of Honor" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?JC: Mila Kunis or Rachel Bilson.

MA: What is your favorite thing about living in Chicago?JC: The culture. Chicago is such a huge melting pot.

MP: What is your favorite Chicago food or restaurant?JC: It is very hard to pick just one. Chicago is full of so many amazing places to eat, but I did mention a few of my favorites in Maid of Honor. I am very partial to the best pizza in Chicago though. There is no pizza like Lou Malnati’s pizza.

(CLC: Yay for Lou's! Just so you know, you can have it shipped almost anywhere in the US.)

MA: What is your favorite movie about a wedding?JC: "The Wedding Singer" or "Father of the Bride."

MA: What is the craziest thing you've ever had to do as a bridesmaid or maid of honor?JC: Surprisingly, I’ve never had to do something that is too crazy. However, I have been forced to wipe more than a few bride’s after they go to the bathroom. It’s utterly disgusting and wish it wasn’t necessary.

MA: Describe your dream wedding.MP: Eloping.

Thanks again to Jillian for hanging out with us and offering a copy of her book for our giveaway.

How to win "Maid of Honor":Please comment below with your e-mail address.(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):1. Please tell us: For how many weddings have you been a part of the bridal party and what was the worst dress you had to wear? (Or, if you've never stood up in a wedding, what color or style dress would you completely veto once you had the opportunity?)2. Please tell us: What is your favorite movie about a wedding?3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

I guess I'm lucky because I've only been in ONE wedding party, and that was when I was a young teen for my older sister! I haven't been to another one since! Okay, confession, I was supposed to be MOH at my sister's wedding in two weeks but she CALLED OFF THE WEDDING!! But, I did get out of having to wear the dress that means, haha. And I have to say I love 27 Dresses and Father of the Bride!!nina565(at)aol(dot)com

I've been in 2 weddings and the worst dress I had was floor length red ballgown. It wasn't that the dress was ugly, it was more so that it was deep red and i got fitted for the dress after having the flu so come time to wear the dress it was so tight I had to starve myself for 2 weeks before the wedding!

I have been in two weddings, and the bridesmaid dress for my sisters wedding was the worst. Dodger blue, and so not flattering.I love Father of the Bride!!I tweeted the giveaway.I follow on twitter and Facebook.Finger crossed for a win!

I haven't been a part of a wedding party... I'd veto a dress with a large bow...several colours I'd veto... orange, hot pink (even though I love pink, there's a time and place for everything), lime green.

I had to wear an orange, one-strap dress in a pumpkin-centered wedding the Saturday after Halloween...the dress ended up being a lot better than I thought when we ordered it, but so much orange/pumpkins/timing was a little weird, haha :o)

1. I've been in several weddings. For my aunts when I was a kid, I actually thought my little dresses were adorable. But for my friends quicky wedding , I was Maid of Honor but didn't have a dress that fit right because of the weight I'd lost. I had to borrow one from another friend. It had holes in the midsection that showed off my belly and stuff. I was so uncomfortable the whole time!

2. My favorite wedding movie is actually one of my faves of all time, The Wedding Planner. I love the whole idea of fate and kind of stumbling upon the person you're meant to be with. It's cute and I love the soundtrack. Plus Matthew McConaughey is cuuute. I know every word to that movie!

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):1. Please tell us: For how many weddings have you been a part of the bridal party and what was the worst dress you had to wear? (Or, if you've never stood up in a wedding, what color or style dress would you completely veto once you had the opportunity?)2. Please tell us: What is your favorite movie about a wedding?3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

Great contest! I would love to win this book!

kewalker1972@gmail.com

1. Worst dress: I've been in 3 weddings and only one of the dresses were bad. My friend got married about 18 years ago, we were 20 (gak!! I know), and the dresses were pepto-bismal-pink and poofy and "bubbled" at the hem. I had indigestion just from wearing the ugly thing and could have used some pepto the day of the wedding it was so awful!2. Fave wedding movie: Wedding Singer and also The Runaway Bride3. I already follow the CLC blog!! Love it!4. I have posted this contest on FB5. I am already a member on FB

1. Please tell us: For how many weddings have you been a part of the bridal party and what was the worst dress you had to wear? (Or, if you've never stood up in a wedding, what color or style dress would you completely veto once you had the opportunity?)I have never and I would veto anything pastel coloured!

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